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The Secret History of Agile Innovation

Harvard Business

You hear a lot about “agile innovation” these days. Teams using agile methods get things done faster than teams using traditional processes. Agile has indisputably transformed software development, and many experts believe it is now poised to expand far beyond IT. They keep customers happier.

Agile 28
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What Sales Teams Should Do to Prepare for the Next Recession

Harvard Business

In the 2001 recession, total sales for the S&P 500 declined by 9% from its pre-recession peak to its trough 18 months later—almost a year after the recession officially ended. Commercial operations groups tend to be early targets for cuts in a recession. Recessions catch many companies by surprise, with predictable results.

Sales 40
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5 Ways the Best Companies Close the Strategy-Execution Gap

Harvard Business

Today’s successful companies close the strategy-to-performance gap with a new strategy approach best described as “Decide-Do/Refine-Do” This agile, test-and-learn approach is better suited to today’s tumultuous environment. Webvan was forced to cease operations by 2001.

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Why Agile Goes Awry — and How to Fix It

Harvard Business

In the spirit of becoming more adaptive , organizations have rushed to implement Agile software development. But many have done so in a way that actually makes them less agile. These companies have become agile in name only, as the process they’ve put in place often ends up hurting engineering motivation and productivity.

Agile 28